The hotel is known for hosting Westminster champions, including 2008 Best in Show winner Uno the Beagle (seen here with Paris at an area event), and even the first ever ‘pup’tual Westminster wedding ceremony in 2011.

This year, Hotel Pennsylvania will feature several special events coinciding with the show:

• A live Westminster Kennel Club broadcast satellite feed from the Hotel’s Lobby will take place with 2012 Dog Show participants. It will take place on Friday, February 10th.

• A Pre-Westminster Fashion Show & Gala on Friday, February 11th, where the hotel will officially receive the 2012 “Pet Friendly Hotel Of The Year” award.

• The largest in-door doggie spa in all of New York. Located within the lower level of the Hotel, the 1st In-Line, Inc. sponsored Green Room Salon & S’paw’ offers a variety of amenities for these VIP’s including: bathing/beauty parlor/salon, dog grooming/comfort station, exercise area, walking area, his/hers relieving area, a canine masseuse and an animal communicator!

• The 4th Annual Business of Pet Writing Conference. Scheduled for Feb. 11 in the PennTop Ballroom, the event features networking with publishers and pet industry representatives. The Business of Pet Writing Conference also welcomes a variety of notable veterinarians and prominent representatives from the pet food industry who are eager to assist pet writers with their research, book and article ideas, contact information, additional educational opportunities, and access to materials (studies, reports, press releases, etc.).

• The American Canine Education Foundation (ACEF) & the Senior Conformation Judges Association (SCJA) Annual Buffet Reception & Dance, which is open to the public, takes place at the PennTop Ballroom on Sunday February 12th.

• Doggie Concierge on-site and a Paw Mall, featuring all the latest accessories/gifts for both owners and pets to enjoy.

The Hotel is offering special rates for Westminster guests with dogs and those guests without dogs.

For More Information:

• call 212-736-5000 (locally) or 800-223-8585 (toll-free)
• visit www.hotelpenn.com

SOURCE New York’s Hotel Pennsylvania

Do the holidays have you and your dog visiting New York City…or so busy with holiday company in your NYC home that you need some help with your dog’s walking schedule? Or has bad weather kept you inside although your dog is really, really ready for an outdoor dog walk?

If so, don’t worry; Swifto Dog Walking provides last minute dog walking services anywhere in New York City, any time.

The bonded and insured company offers walking services 24/7; if you call, you can get a dog walker to your door to take Fido on his daily walk within the hour. The cost is $20 per 30-minute walk, and the tip is included. For an extra $10, you can extend your dog’s walk to one hour and for an extra $5, you can add a second dog to the walk.

Swifto has an easy-to-use online interface; just go online and enter your NYC address and select the service you would like to purchase. That’s it!

Dog walks with Swifto have a money-back guarantee, no questions asked. Swifto Dog Walking is a member of Pet Sitters Associates.

For More Information:

• call 1-855-967-5486
• email contact@swifto.com
• visit http://swifto.com/dog-walking

Guest post by Sheila Appleby Williams

Celebrity Pug, Phoebe Rose (atravelingpug.com) and her freelance writer-Mom, Sheila Appleby Williams, attended the highly anticipated BlogWorld Expo at the LA convention center November 3-5, 2011. The Expo was founded by Rick Calvert (CEO of Blogworld.com, the popular New Media site) and a dog-daddy to 2 Karelian Bear rescue pups.

I spoke with Rick who believes we are in the “infancy” stage of the New Media (only 6% of the population are on Twitter!).

Seminar professionals stressed that major brands (advertisers and clients) are looking for “influencers”-people who have a significant number of loyal followers on Twitter, blogs, Facebook, etc.

The first Blogworld Expo was held in 2007 and attracted a little over 1000 attendees. This year’s event was expected to attract over 4,000 New Media fans including bloggers, brand ambassadors, social media professionals, and Internet marketers, who paid $377 daily to attend the three day seminar and networking event. Calvert predicts over 50,000 attendees within the next few years.

“You don’t have to be a “techie” to have a great blog, it’s more important to be passionate about your subject,” says the BlogWorld guru. “The quality and the relevancy of the content are what matters,” he emphasized.

For those who are interested, a virtual ticket can be purchased for $347 (at a fraction of the in-person cost) that includes the 100+ recorded sessions of industry professionals.

Up close and personal with Isocket’s Dom Lafaysse.

Pug people are everywhere! Sporting a “Pugs not drugs” t-shirt, San Francisco Isocket.com team member, Ryan, brings his pug, Frank, to work everyday.

Of course he had a great photo to show and email!

The fantastic team members of Blogger- they redesigned “atravelingpug.com” using the brand new blogger design tool “dynamic formatting.” Easy to implement, free and looks great!

Popular NYC style maven Ari Seth Cohen, of Advancedstyle.blogspot.com, made a guest appearance at the Blogger booth and gave us great tips about blogging format and design!

New Media people show their passion.

Phoebe Rose checked out the HIPSWAP booth- a great site to get rid of too much stuff: sell it, swap it, free it.

Phoebe Rose spent time at Southwest Airlines Emerging Media Booth. Those guys know how to have a good time.

Check out the smile booth photos below.

The Southwest “smile” photo booth was a big hit with event goers. Phoebe Rose wasn’t quite sure about it, but she tried to be a good sport.

The power of the New Media: These photos were tweeted by Southwest Air to over 1 million followers!

Another interview! Its been a fun and informative experience, but Phoebe Rose was ready to go home.

The winner will receive a two-night ‘Very Merry Wine Country Holiday’ package, for the winning pup and two favorite people at Harvest Inn, a $1000 value.

How to Enter: Snap a photo of your costumed pooch, ‘like’ the Inn on Facebook and email the jpeg to concierge(at)harvestinn(dot)com. The Inn will post to their Facebook page and let resident pup, ‘Seahunt’ Peanut (right), who has a closet full of costumes, select his favorite.

Deadline: Deadline for entries Tuesday November 1, 2011. The winner will be announced no later than November 11, 2011.

Prize: ‘A Very Merry Wine Country Holiday’ package includes:

• a two-night stay in a King Room with a wood or gas burning fireplace
• a hearty daily breakfast
• a welcome basket that includes a bottle of local wine
• a sample of locally grown, infused olive oil, snacks, and handmade Woodhouse chocolates

Rules

• Contest is open to those 21 years and older with the exception of all Harvest Inn employees, vendors or partners.
• Only one entry per participant.
• Prize is non-transferable. Not redeemable for cash. It’s valid for one year from date of winning, available Sunday-Thursday and based upon availability.
• Winners will be selected by Harvest Inn and will be announced on Harvest Inn’s Facebook page and Twitter account; decisions are final and binding.
• By submitting a photo to the contest, you give Harvest Inn your consent to post your photo and name to the Harvest Inn Facebook page and Twitter account.
• This contest or promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook or Twitter.

For More Information:

• visit www.harvestinn.com

Photo courtesy Napa Valley Harvest Inn

Dave Stephens, is one of the few pet caricature artists. He caught Phoebe’s essence:

Phoebe striking a pose for Dave:

“Did he make me look fat?”

The afterglow of being blessed by Minister Stacy Christopher:

There were canine celebs in attendance like Neo, former Petco model:

The beautiful grounds of the state’s largest pet cemetery-over 10 acres provide a final resting place for over 40,000 beloved pets!

Ready for a blessing (and hoping a St. Patrick’s Day hat gives him extra points):

Actor and model Sheltie, Landon, and friend Maggie with Mom, Connie:

Event organizer, popular pet expert Warren Eckstein says his mission is to “just find an animal a home”.   Warren hosts an international radio show, which he broadcasts from both California and New York every Saturday. According to his website, www.thepetshow.com, he has trained and worked with more than 40,000 pets, including those of celebrities such as Rodney Dangerfield, David Letterman and former Vice Presidential candidate Geraldine Ferraro, among others:

More pets waiting patiently to be blessed:

The “Rainbow Bridge”:

Photos by Sheila Williams.

The third annual Huntington Beach Surf City Surf Dog event took place last Sunday at the largest dog-friendly beach in California. Huntington Beach was named the official “DogTown, 2009″ by Dog Fancy magazine, touted to be the worlds’ most widely read dog magazine. The magazine researches cities each year after a public nomination period to discover cities that “receive dogs with open arms and provide them with the joys of life,” according to Dog Fancy magazine editor Susan Chaney.

The increasingly popular fund-raising event was conceived and lovingly orchestrated by Book That Event’s canine-loving, Lisa Scolman:

This year’s event saw the return of champion surf dog, Abbie, an Australian Kelpie (top photo), who set a canine record for riding the longest wave. This feat was witnessed by Frederikke (Freddie) Hoff, an official from the Guinness Book of Records flown in from New York City to witness the record achievement (a distance of 60 meters). Ms. Hoff, impeccably attired in a tailored black suit at the beach event, explained that since the newest Guinness record book for 2012, has just been published, there would be a full year in which another surfing canine could possibly beat this achievement.

Phoebe Rose and Guinness Book Official, Freddie Hoff:

Sir Hollywood, a popular surfing Bulldog, strikes an appropriately dignified pose:

A fashionable way to warm up after surfing competition:

Most of the canine spectators preferred to stay dry, like Sophia, striking a “bathing beauty” pose beside her Bulldog Rescue booth, hoping for adoption interest:

Yet another canine tattoo spotted recently. This one belongs to a Bulldog Rescue volunteer:

The “most dogs on a surf board” contest was another attempt at a Guinness Book Record.  Unfortunately the contestants were not able to stay on for the required ten seconds:

The crowds thinned out by the early afternoon after 4 hours of competition:

Winning surfer, Abbie, a local rescue pup, took first place honors in the overall competition and did not appear to be concerned with future competition as she posed for photographers with a star quality that attracted the media and fans.  Abbie’s career is taking off, her human Dad,  Michael Yu just announced: “We were recently featured in the new San Diego tourism TV commercials.”

Abbie and Michael joined many of the canine contestants and their humans staying at the local pet-indulgent, stylish Shorebreak Hotel and participated in the hotel’s kick-off canine fashion show on Friday evening, held and hosted by apparel designer Nichole Smith of  “Dog is Good.”

A Saturday afternoon costume contest was held in front of the Shorebreak Hotel.  Who can resist a Bulldog in a tutu?

Last minute adjustments to this “Dorothy” costume:

Saturday festivities included a “Doga” class (yoga stretches for dogs and humans) taught by Brenda Bryan of Barking Buddha Doga:

Phoebe has a reason for her big smile.  Life is good at the Shorebreak-canine guests relax on complimentary pet beds and can order room service from a “Mans’ Best Friend” Pet Menu featuring 5 healthy entrees:

Shorebreak Hotel General  Manager, Marco  Perry (a true dog lover), participated in the “Dog is Good” Fashion Show (modeling hoodie) and accompanied by his furry “best friend”. Surfing “coaches” and event volunteers wore the colorful and stylish hoodies and t-shirts sporting inspiring doggie slogans on the runway and the beach.

Photos courtesy Sheila Williams

The Luangwa Valley is home to the country’s second largest wild dog population, some 200+ animals. The survival of the Wild Dog remains tenuous, though, because of increases in resource extraction, human settlement and poaching.

Every March, RPS hosts “Carnivore Week,” during which RPS guides and senior Zambian Carnivore Programme (ZCP) ecology staff teach safari-goers the art and science of researching large carnivores. Along with viewing and photographing animals,  they report their findings back to the Luangwa Valley Carnivore Monitoring Programme–plus they report on large carnivores that have been injured in wire snares used by poachers. This information helps the South Luangwa Conservation Society and ZCP to find and treat these animals.

For a Paws Cause: One of the conservation initiatives of Robin Pope Safaris is actively helping to protect one of Zambia’s most threatened species, the African Wild Dog, a unique and highly social member of the dog family.  Since 2005, RPS has partnered with ZCP to conserve the population of the Wild Dog and other large carnivores in the South Luangwa Valley and to establish sustainable wildlife tourism there.

Price: Rates for seven nights at Robin Pope Safari’s Nkwali Camp start at $2996 per person sharing and include room and board and all safari costs including a contribution to the Zambian Carnivore Programme.  Not included are domestic and international flights, visas and airport taxes. Domestic round-trip flights from Lusaka to Mfuwe are US$510.

For More Information:

• email info@robinpopesafaris.net
• visit www.robinpopesafaris.net
• Skype: Robinpopesafaris

Photo courtesy Robin Pope Safaris

Photo courtesy Shorebreak Hotel; photo credit: Paul Dyer

Earlier this month we told you about the big Surf City Surf Dog Competition coming up in Huntington Beach, California from September 23-25. If you’ll be attending–with or without your pooch–be sure to check out the new new Dog is Beachin’ VIP Package at The Shorebreak Hotel.

Starting now, when booking a hotel room for two (2) nights, Friday through Sunday (September 23-25, the weekend of the Surf City Surf Dog Event), guests and their canine companions receive perks that are sure to make tails wag. And it’s extra special because a portion of the package sales go to a variety of pet-related charity partners.

The Package: The Dog is Beachin’ VIP Package includes:

• Room Accommodations
• A Spot as one of our judges of the “Pawabunga” Costume Contest on Saturday night
• Dog and Owner get a 1 hour private surf lesson that include the cost of the board and wetsuit
• A $100 credit to Zimzala Restaurant (which features a gourmet dog menu) for a doggie/human dinner date
• Registration for both Surf and Costume Contest
• 5 Raffle Tickets for a chance to win fabulous prizes including a stay at Shorebreak with your furry friend, a shopping spree on DogisGood.com, and more
• Two (2) “Never Surf Alone” Dog is Good© T-Shirts
• Dog is Good© Dog water bottle
• Dog grooming session at the hotel to get glam for the Dog/Human Fashion Show on Friday night

Photo courtesy Shorebreak Hote; photo credit Matthew Millman

For the Human, the package includes:

• a blowout/hair styling session to get glam for the Dog/Human Fashion show on Friday night
• A photo shot by Photo Lab for dog and owner at the Fashion Show
• Private A “Pet Pawtrait” painting of the dog by SoCal-based pet painter (a photo from the Photo Lab photo shoot may be submitted)

Special doggy amenities including a soft in-room dog bed, dog bowls, treats and more plus you can enjoy a daily newspaper, Evening Wine Hour and access to the 24-Hour Fitness Studio.

For a Paws Cause: Proceeds will go to benefit the following Charity Partners: Southern California Bulldog Rescue, Surf Dog Riochet, OC Humane Society, Westie Rescue of Orange County & Beyond, and Huntington Dog Beach.

Dates: The package is valid September 23, 2011 – September 25, 2011 (two-night minimum stay only). Two (2) days advance purchase required. Rates subject to space availability. Taxes and gratuities not included.

For More Information:

• visit www.shorebreakhotel.com

The Package: The ‘Spooky Suite’ package is available October 25-31, 2011 and features:

• A stay in a Halloween-themed suite
• Loot bag with tricks and treats
• Ghoulish amenity upon check-in
• Selection of costumes from the catalog. Pet costumes include queen, pumpkin, fireman, bumble bee, luau and pirate!

“We can’t say that Loews Hotels are haunted, but we can say that ghosts may roam the halls and fairies may flutter about the lobby this Halloween,” said Lark-Marie Antón, Vice President of Public Relations.  “Whether you’re dressing up for a night on the town or curling up in a spooky suite to watch a movie, we hope to scare you to BOO-k a stay at Loews Hotels this Halloween.”

In addition, all Loews Hotels guests will receive a festive Party City Halloween accessory upon check-in, while supplies last.

Price: The ‘Spooky Suite’ package is subject to availability at 13 Loews Hotels in the U.S. with rates starting at $207.

The Fine Print: Offer valid 10/25/2011 – 10/31/2011; subject to availability. Five day advanced booking required with costume selection three days prior to arrival. Not applicable to Loews Hotels at Universal Orlando (Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando®, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando®, Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando®) or Loews Hotels in Canada (Loews Hôtel Vogue, Loews Hôtel Le Concorde). Rate is non-commissionable. Suite types vary by hotel. Offer not applicable to groups, negotiated or third-party rates. Not combinable with any other offers. Not applicable to existing reservations. YouFirst benefits apply, though complimentary or discounted suite upgrades for YouFirst Gold and Platinum members not applicable.

For more information:

• call 1-800-23-LOEWS
• visit www.loewshotels.com

Edie welcomes guests in the lobby and is readily available to accompany them on walks around the hotel.

About Edie

• her name is inspired by Andy Warhol and his “superstar” Edie Sedgwick
• she was born in March 2010, the same month that Fairmont Pittsburgh opened its doors.
• Edie began training in the assistant dog program at Circle Tail, Inc. in Pleasant Plain, Ohio as a puppy.  After completing over a year of training, Edie’s friendly and outgoing personality proved to be better suited to the hospitality industry where she gets to meet new people every day.

Meeting Edie

Edie will be at work five days a week, stationed in the lobby on her cozy bed near the concierge desk.  Just like all colleagues at Fairmont Pittsburgh, Edie wears a nametag, keeps an appointment book and even has her own email address so that guests can keep in touch.

Edie is looking forward to hosting her own events at the hotel with other canine companions and getting involved in the community at schools, nursing homes and local events.

At the end of the day, Edie heads home with Julie Abramovic, public relations manager, where she spends her free time going for even more walks, playing at the local dog park and chewing on her favorite toys.

Fairmont Pittsburgh is a pet-friendly hotel and encourages travelers to bring their own furry friends when they visit.  Dogs arriving at the hotel are offered healthy treats made by Executive Pastry Chef Naomi Gallego, along with walking maps and complimentary pet beds and dishes.

Other Canine Ambassadors

Many of the Fairmont properties throughout North America also have canine ambassadors! They include Santol at Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, Gracie at Fairmont Tremblant, Catie at Fairmont Copley Plaza, Chunki and Kimi at The Fairmont Acapulco Princess, Sonny at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Dakota at The Fairmont Winnipeg, Holly at The Fairmont Waterfront, Mavis and Beau at The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, and Smudge at Fairmont Algonquin.

Photo courtesy Kaitlin Bledsoe Photography